Meet the ice carvers behind Icestravaganza

“Carving ice is a fun art form that always manages to create amazement for the onlookers. It makes people happy,” said Matt Meadows of Pleasant Valley. “For me, the whole process of creating a sculpture that’s custom to each event is a challenge that doesn’t get old. The physical work can make you feel old, but once I get the saw and chisel in my hand, it gets fun, fast.”  

Meadows has volunteered his time to Downtown Davenport Partnership’s Icestravaganza for the past 12 years – organizing, creating and carving his way through an event that continues to be a winter favorite for Quad Citizens. He and a crew of five other carvers from throughout the Midwest will spend the week carving 36,000 pounds of ice.  

An executive chef at the Isle of Capri in Bettendorf, Meadows says he enjoys taking the week off to focus on this sport that brings together a tight-knit group of carvers, who’ve become friends. “It’s our yearly chance to get together and learn from each other,” he says. “We started this event with 6 blocks of ice. Now we’re at 120 blocks!” 

Those blocks will be delivered to downtown Davenport from a factory in Minnesota. Meadows explained that it will take a couple of days to move, place and fuse them together with water. Once fused, the carvers can draw outlines on their blocks with their designs.  

“This year the theme is This is Iowa. We have done aliens, Halloween, Americana, pirates, sea creatures and more – so we thought – why not? There are many iconic things in the state that make for good sculpture. Silos, tractors, barns, trains, riverboats and of course, some football mascots. We’re excited about a few interactive elements as well!” 

Armed with the tools of the trade, Meadows and his fellow carvers will use chainsaws, rasps, chisels, ice tongs, die grinders, aluminum plates, blow torches and nail boards (for roughing the ice to make it easier to work with) to carve and detail the sculptures. “Every year, Mother Nature challenges us with weather that is not ideal – so we are always flexible with our work time, even having to work at night in case it’s too warm during the day.”    

By late in the week, the artists will be moving into the last stages of their designs in preparation for Friday’s unveiling at 4 p.m. “My favorite part of the festival is the camaraderie and teamwork between the carvers and the looks on the faces of guests as they take pictures,” added Meadows, who says this will be his last year carving. “We are always asking people if they want to come help and learn the tricks of the trade. One of our carvers, Rob Storm, gives a demo once a year for students at Scott Community College. This hasn’t resulted in any new blood yet, but we’re hopeful!” 

Of his 12 years of involvement, Meadows says, “The mission and vision of the Downtown Davenport Partnership is still alive and kicking – and growing – 12 years later. The original purpose of Icestravaganza was to bring business to downtown in the winter and provide the community with an activity for both young and old to enjoy. I think the businesses at the Freight House & Farmers Market can attest to the fact that it worked.”  

MEET THE ICE CARVERS 

Bill Gordish 

Hometown: Oelwein, Iowa  

Day job: Over 25 years as a chef, and 20+ years in food sales working from home. 

How did you learn to ice carve?  

It was introduced at culinary school, but only during one class. It sparked my interest, so I bought a block and took it to my hometown country club where I worked and spent three hours trying to carve a swan. When I took a job at the Marriott in Des Moines, I would do two for brunch every Sunday. That gave me a chance to practice, create and have fun.   

What types of events do you attend and in what other cities? 

During the winter months, I do several exhibitions, mostly around the Des Moines area. I have also carved at the Iowa State Fair for over 32 years. If you’ve ever seen the World-Famous Butter Cow, you had to walk by a freezer full of ice carvings. 

What is special about the Quad Cities event?  

Icestravaganza is the only event I attend that offers so many blocks to carve. This makes for a great display that gets the whole city involved. Also, lighting them at night with different colored lights brings them to life, and gives the display another dimension. The location is perfect as well; the shops, farmers market, brewery, restaurants and live carving demonstration on Saturday make for a fun environment. 

What sculpture or project are you most proud of?   

The ones that light up the younger ones' faces and inspire them to create. It’s a unique medium that isn’t displayed too often, but when it is, everyone thinks it’s cool. It’s nice to hear all the compliments and nice comments. However, it’s a dying art in this area, so if we can inspire the next generation of carvers, then that is what we are the proudest of. 

Rob Graham 

Day job: Retired Chef Instructor 

How did you learn to ice carve? How many years have you been doing it?

I  taught Culinary arts at Hennepin Technical College including advanced decorating and ice sculpture. I carved my first ice block in 1974, and got hooked. I have participated in the St. Paul Winter Carnival ice carving competition every year since 1990 - winning or placing numerous times. I worked on-call at Sculpture Ice Co. doing contract carving for 20 years.  I competed in Harbin, China in 1990, winning the Peoples Choice Award.

What are you most proud of?  I am teaching my craft to my grandson, A.J. Edwards. He has been working with me for over 5 years and demonstrates a passion for ice carving. 

David Jensen 

Hometown: Clarksville, IA 

Day job: Retired Certified Chef, handyman and husband  

How long have you been coming to Icestravaganza, and why do you like being a part of the event?  

I have been coming to Icestravaganza for 10+ years and I like the opportunity to work with the other carvers who have become a good group to have our annual gathering with. It’s a great place to get ideas, learn and gain contacts/friends.  

How did you learn to ice carve? How many years have you been doing it? 

I’ve been carving ice since 1982, when I was working under a Chef at the Marriott in Denver, CO. My first ice carving was a pig for a banquet event and my third carving was an eagle for a reception for Nancy Reagan.  

What sculpture or project are you most proud of?  

I was in charge of one event in Denver where we built a castle out of 286 blocks of ice. It had a 28-foot tower with a spiral staircase going to the second floor. 

Did you/do you have a favorite theme for this or any event you've been a part of?  

I like doing large multi-block carvings involving mystical beasts and animals.  

What do you love about your craft?  

It’s not like any other art form. The medium for this art is harder than steel but more fragile than glass. It seems to be an art form that fewer people are participating in, which probably has to do with being out in the elements for up to 10-12 hours. It's great to see the look on people's faces when they see the finished pieces.

 Terry Reis 

Hometown: Native Minnesotan, turned Southeast Iowan  

Day job: Chef for over 40 years; certified Professional Master Ice Carver and Competition Ice Carver with the National Ice Carving Association in Chicago.    

How did you learn to ice carve?  

When I was a sous-chef at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, I was asked to create an ice carving for Sunday brunch. I didn’t know that request would quickly grow to 20 ice sculptures per week for the hotel’s weekly buffets and catered events, or that it would become a lifelong pursuit.  

What types of events do you attend and in what other cities? 

During my time in Minnesota, I’ve been an ice carver competitor, as well as the Ice Competition Event Coordinator for the renowned St. Paul Winter Carnival, a 100-year-old festival with ice sculptures as the heart of the event. This is my first year at Icestravaganza.  

What are you most proud of?   

My love of ice carving is now being handed down to my children. As a team, we placed 1st in the Multi-Block Competition in St. Paul a couple years ago. I’ve also worked with the Minnesota Film Board creating ice sculptures for the movies "Jingle All The Way" and "Mighty Ducks Two." My work has been featured in National Geographic Explorer, Sports Illustrated, International Titanic Exhibit and Good Morning America. 

Rob Storm 

Hometown: Moline & QC area 

Day job: Ice carver for 34 years for the culinary field.

What do you love about your craft?  I have an innovative and creative approach to making ice blocks, and I enjoy carving unique and meaningful pieces. I enjoy sharing my art with others - and that's my driving force in keeping my designs fresh and ever-changing. 

What other types of events do you attend?  Most of my work is live performances at various festivals in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. I've been participating in Icestravaganza for over 10 years.